10 Best Neighborhoods in Hillsborough, NC

Best Places to Live in Hillsborough

Are you looking for the best neighborhoods in Hillsborough, NC? Here are the top ten places to live in Hillsborough! 

Nestled along the scenic Eno River in Orange County, Hillsborough, North Carolina, represents the perfect blend of historic Southern charm and modern convenience. Founded in 1754 and once serving as the state capital during the American Revolution, this vibrant town of nearly 10,000 residents has evolved into one of the Triangle area's most sought-after communities.

With its tree-lined streets, meticulously preserved historic architecture, and thriving downtown district listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Hillsborough offers homebuyers a unique opportunity to live in a community where history meets contemporary living.

As of October 2025, the median list price in Hillsborough is approximately $682,027, reflecting the area's desirability and strong real estate market. The town's strategic location near Research Triangle Park makes it an ideal place to live for professionals, families, and retirees. 

Whether you are drawn to established neighborhoods or new construction communities, Hillsborough's diverse housing market offers something for every lifestyle and budget. Let's explore the ten most sought-after neighborhoods that make Hillsborough an exceptional place to call home.

Check out these best places to live in Hillsborough. 

1. Wildwood

Wildwood stands out as a well-established community where most homes were constructed between 1985 and 1987, offering buyers the charm of a mature neighborhood with reasonably priced homes.

This cozy community has maintained its appeal for nearly four decades, attracting families and first-time homebuyers who value affordability without compromising on quality of life. The homes in Wildwood primarily feature single-family homes with two or three bedrooms, ranging between 1,020 and 1,553 square feet. 

The affordable price point, combined with established infrastructure and mature trees, makes Wildwood an excellent entry point into the Hillsborough housing market. Properties typically spend around 52 days on the market, indicating steady buyer interest.

The perfect place to live for small families and young professionals, residents love living in Wildwood for its close-knit community atmosphere. For families with school-aged children, the area is served by New Hope Elementary School, A.L. Stanback Middle School, and Cedar Ridge High School.

Local Favorites: 

Residents enjoy convenient access to Gold Park, featuring a dog park, picnic tables, hiking trails, and a playground. The neighborhood's proximity to local favorites like Big Bob's City Grill for freshly made burgers and Jay's Chicken Shack for Southern comfort food adds to its appeal.

2. Stagecoach Run 

Stagecoach Run offers gorgeous real estate with homes ranging from 1,800 square feet to over 2,100 square feet, providing more spacious living options than many other neighborhoods while maintaining affordability. This suburban neighborhood appeals to buyers seeking room to grow without the premium price tag of larger estate communities.

The neighborhood features a diverse array of home styles that vary in size and price, ensuring that buyers can find properties matching different architectural preferences and budget requirements. This variety creates visual interest throughout the community while accommodating various family sizes and lifestyle needs.

Local Favorites: 

The Village Diner specializes in Southern and American country cooking with affordable prices and excellent service. For barbecue enthusiasts, Hillsborough BBQ Company serves traditional Southern BBQ, country sides, and house-made desserts.

The nearby Hillsborough Visitor's Center provides information on guided tours, area maps, and upcoming community events, making it easy for new residents to integrate into the community.

3. Churton Grove 

Churton Grove is a luxurious community where homes are highly desirable, featuring expansive yards and lush greenery throughout the tree-lined neighborhoods. Developed in the early 2000s by Newland Communities in collaboration with Beazer Homes and Drees Homes, this 380-home community represents one of Hillsborough's premier addresses.

Most homes in Churton Grove showcase traditional architectural styles, including Colonial, Traditional, Victorian, and Tudor designs, with elements such as wood and brick exteriors, turrets and gables, and symmetrical windows. The neighborhood's cohesive aesthetic creates a timeless, upscale atmosphere that appeals to buyers seeking classic elegance.

Homes are priced from the $300,000s to the $500,000s, though current median prices are around $762,500, reflecting the neighborhood's desirability and larger home sizes. School assignments include Cameron Park Elementary School, Charles W. Stanford Middle School, and Orange High School.

Commute times include just minutes to downtown Hillsborough, 25 minutes to UNC and Chapel Hill, 16 minutes to Durham and Duke University, 30 minutes to Research Triangle Park, and 30 minutes to RDU Airport.

Local Favorites: 

Amenities include an attractive clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball court, playground, picnic area, and an extensive set of trails throughout the development's property.

Nearby dining options include Vinny's Italian Grill & Pizzeria (located conveniently next to a neighborhood entrance) and Hillsborough Bakeshop & Cafe, offering everything from freshly baked goods to elaborate pasta dishes.

4. Fox Hill Farm 

Located on 1,300 rolling acres, Fox Hill Farms connects communities of two, three, five, and 10-acre homesites for those who value community, privacy, and connection to nature, while maintaining easy access to all Research Triangle amenities. This is the ideal neighborhood for buyers seeking a rural lifestyle without the isolation.

Fox Hill Farm is the best place to live in Hillsborough if you are looking for a quiet place outside the hustle and bustle of busy city life. For those who value privacy and access to nature, homes in Fox Hill Farm start at 2,800 square feet and range up to over 5,000 square feet.

The neighborhood represents the upper tier of the Hillsborough market, with homes offering luxury finishes, custom designs, and privacy. High-speed internet and natural gas connections are available, making modern amenities accessible despite the rural setting.

Local Favorites: 

Fox Hill Farm offers existing ponds, streams, walking trails, greenways, buffers, landscaping, and an extensive open space plan. The community is only minutes from downtown Hillsborough, a short drive to Durham, Chapel Hill, and Research Triangle Park. Downtown Hillsborough's Riverwalk, local restaurants, art galleries, and the Orange County Historical Museum are all easily accessible.

5. Forest Ridge 

Developed in late 2017 and early 2018, Forest Ridge features spacious homes with colonial-style architecture and large open floor plans designed with family living in mind. As one of Hillsborough's newer communities, it offers modern construction with contemporary features and energy efficiency.

Each home boasts generous bedrooms, beautiful full bathrooms, and inviting outdoor spaces, including wide front porches and backyard patios perfect for relaxation or entertaining. Forest Ridge was designed to be North Carolina's first Four-Star (highest level) candidate community for National Green Building Standard certification, reflecting a commitment to sustainable building practices.

For families with school-aged children, the best schools in the area include Cameron Park Elementary School, Charles W. Stanford Middle School, and Orange High School.

Local Favorites: 

The Orange County SportsPlex and Occoneechee Golf Club are nearby, offering extensive recreational facilities, including an aquatic center, ice rink, fitness center, and championship golf.

6. Strouds Creek 

Strouds Creek is a newer community developed in 2017, featuring large homes that are all reasonably priced, making it an ideal place to live for families. The combination of modern construction, spacious floor plans, and proximity to downtown makes this neighborhood particularly attractive.

The neighborhood comprises single-family homes with an average of four bedrooms and three bathrooms, providing ample space for growing families. Homes in Strouds Creek typically feature around 2,656 square feet, offering generous living areas without the premium pricing of estate communities. 

The neighborhood represents excellent value, offering substantial square footage at competitive prices. Properties here tend to attract families who prioritize both space and location. The newer construction means modern amenities, open floor plans, and energy-efficient systems.

Local Favorites: 

The Burwell School Historic Site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers daily tours and special events. For dining, visit El Restaurante Ixtapa for authentic Mexican fare with handmade tortillas.

7. Hillsborough Forest  

Hillsborough Forest is a top-rated neighborhood featuring beautiful mid-sized homes. Developed in 1987, this well-established community has continued to grow and develop over the years, demonstrating sustained appeal and solid property values.

Homes in Hillsborough Forest typically range from 1,460 to 2,200 square feet, offering comfortable family living without excessive maintenance requirements. The established nature of the community means mature landscaping, developed infrastructure, and a strong sense of neighborhood identity.

The neighborhood offers very reasonably priced mid-sized homes, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers, including first-time homeowners, growing families, and those downsizing from larger properties.

For families with school-aged children, the best schools in the area include Central Elementary School, Gravelly Hill Middle School, and Orange High School.

Local Favorites: 

Residents enjoy easy access to Spencer's Tavern at the historic Colonial Inn, offering brunch, lunch, and dinner in a charming setting. The Colonial Inn itself provides a unique local lodging option for visiting family and friends.

Kim's Bake Shop delights residents with delicious pies, cakes, donuts, pastries, and cookies. The neighborhood's established location provides convenient access to both downtown Hillsborough's historic charm and modern conveniences along the major highways.

8. Collins Ridge 

Collins Ridge is a new construction community within a half-mile walk from Downtown Hillsborough, while offering quick access to Interstate 85 and Interstate 40, both within just two miles. This rare combination of walkability to downtown and highway convenience is difficult to find in modern developments.

Current listings in Collins Ridge show townhomes starting around $359,500 to $390,000, with single-family homes reaching $525,000. Built by D.R. Horton, one of the nation's largest homebuilders, buyers benefit from proven construction quality and comprehensive warranties.

Collins Ridge features resort-style amenities, including a saltwater pool, a clubhouse with a fitness center, two tennis courts that double as pickleball courts, a dog park, and multiple playgrounds.

Close to UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke, Research Triangle Park, Streets at Southpoint Shopping, and the well-known Eno River State Park, Collins Ridge offers residents a wonderful mix of convenience and historic charm.

Local Favorites: 

The walkable distance to downtown Hillsborough means residents can stroll to restaurants, shops, galleries, and the historic Riverwalk without driving. The Orange County Main Public Library and River Park are easily accessible.

9. Braddock Park 

Braddock Park offers single-family homes, condos, and townhomes in a beautiful community near many local attractions. Developed in 2005, with most construction completed by 2013, the neighborhood provides variety in housing types while maintaining cohesive community standards.

Most homes for sale in Braddock Park have two to four bedrooms and up to three bathrooms, ranging between 1,597 to 2,523 square feet, with an average price per square foot of $238. This pricing makes Braddock Park one of the more affordable options for buyers seeking newer construction with modern amenities.

Local Favorites: 

The neighborhood provides easy access to Interstate 40/85, facilitating convenient commutes to Durham, Duke University, and Research Triangle Park.

Shopping is available at the Churton Grove Shopping Center and downtown Hillsborough, with the community providing easy access to all of Hillsborough's dining and cultural amenities.

10. Fox Run 

The Fox Run neighborhood has grown since its development in 1973, and though it may be an older community, homes are all reasonably priced and are mostly mid-sized single-family homes. The established nature brings mature landscaping and a strong sense of community history.

With a resident average age of 53, most homeowners are families and established professionals, creating a stable, mature community atmosphere. The neighborhood of Fox Run appeals to buyers seeking an established area with character rather than new construction.

For families with school-aged children, the area is served by Mangum Elementary School, George L. Carrington Middle School, and Orange High School.

Local Favorites: 

Unique local attractions include the Triangle Area Polo Club and Arena, where residents can watch matches and learn about the sport. Maple View Farms Country Store and Creamery delights with specialty ice creams, waffle cones, and milkshakes made on-site.

Methodology 

Data was sourced from the Town of Hillsborough to determine the best places to live in Hillsborough, NC. 

FAQs 

Is Hillsborough, NC, a good place to live? 

As one of the best places to live in North Carolina, Hillsborough is a beautiful place to call home along the Eno River that boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and a relaxing way of life. 

What is the cost of living in Hillsborough, NC? 

Hillsborough, North Carolina, has a cost of living that is 6% higher than the national average. 

Is Orange County a good place to live in NC? 

Centrally located in North Carolina, Orange County is the second-best county in the state, and it offers plenty of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, parks, and things to do. 

Best Neighborhoods in Hillsborough, NC - Final Thoughts 

From the affordable charm of Wildwood to the luxury estate living of Fox Hill Farms, these ten neighborhoods represent the diverse housing options that make Hillsborough one of the Triangle area's most desirable communities.

Whether your priority is acreage and privacy, walkability and amenities, new construction, or established charm, Hillsborough's diverse neighborhoods offer something exceptional for every buyer.

If you are ready to find your perfect home in one of Hillsborough's outstanding neighborhoods, contact the experts at Raleigh Realty. Our experienced local agents know these neighborhoods and can guide you through every step of your home-buying journey.